ADAMS, Mass. —  

Mr. Matthew J. “Hiko” Oparowski, 92, of Adams, died on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield.

He was born in Adams on October 21, 1932, a son of the late Tytus and Mary (Kogut) Oparowski. He attended schools in Adams.

Mr. Oparowski worked as a custodian at Hoosac Valley High School for many years until retiring. In his younger years he worked on his family farm where he honed his Polka dance skills and earned the nickname “Hiko the Wildman” and then worked as a bartender for the former Sahara where he met his second wife Elizabeth Doe.

He was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in North Adams. He was a remarkable person and the best dziadziu who is dearly loved and respected by many. His impact on the many lives he touched will be carried on for generations to come.

His wife, the former Elizabeth Doe, whom he married on September 2, 1974, died on July 30, 2013.

He is survived by his son Michael Oparowski and his wife Diana of Chicopee; his brother Theodore Oparowski of Adams; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, Joseph Oparowski, by his daughter, Maryanne Hill; by his stepdaughters Chari Millard and Patricia Fletcher; by his two stepsons William and Ricky Casper; by seven brothers, John, Casimer, Peter, Stanley, Walter, Joseph and Frank Oparowski and by five sisters, Emily Oparowski, Anna Keeler, Sophie Rusek, Cecelia Laston and Helen Fox.

The funeral will be held on Friday, April 11th at 12:00 NOON in the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St., Adams. Burial will follow.

Calling hours are also on Friday, April 11th from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service in the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, 59 Summer St., North Adams, MA 01247.

To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go to www.paciorekfuneral.com.